Curious Aux Input + iPod Behaivier on an E46

[suntigen]

Hi All:

I recently had the BMW Radio Auxiliary Input Kit installed on my new 330xi.

I also have a 15 GB 3G iPod (the latest one).

I purchased four things in order to properly interface the iPod to my BMW.

1) Genuine BMW Auxiliary Power Adaptor - to convert the power plug in the glovebox (the one which charges the BMS flashlight) into a normal cigerette-type power adapter

2) RemoteRemote - RF remote for the iPod

3) Belkin Auto Charger w/Audio for iPod - to plug the iPod into the Auxiliary Power Adapter

4) 3' stereo male-to-male cable - to plug the line-out on the Belkin Adpater to the Aux In in the glovebox.

It works AWSOME!!! I really can't complain. In fact, it does one thing I can't figure out for the life of me.

When I turn the car off the iPod pauses playback, and I have to hit the play button on the RF remote after I turn the car on to get music. Remember, the iPod has a battery, so power interruption shouldn't be the answer (and doesn't seem to be when I try to test this).

How does the iPod know that the car has turned off? The RF Remote is 100% indipendant of the BMW. It runs on it's own batteries.

I'm puzzled. I hope you guys have an answer.

 

[wood_e]

The iPod knows the car is off because of the signal it gets from the power adapter. I have had this happen on mine in the SHO. I actually think its pretty sweet. The "dock connector" on the bottom if a very complex piece of work. It senses power, it also transfers music as well as provides a line level line out.

 

[suntigen]

The iPod knows the car is off because of the signal it gets from the power adapter.

But the power adapter is always on. It's supposed to be a perpetual power source. It definately gets power with the ignition off (I've visually verified this).

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[wood_e]

Well I assume it knows the car is off because of the current going through the adapter itself. I didn't design it so I can't say for sure...

 

[coyotefreek]

Dont know, I do know that for most cars when you turn the key to the off position there is a brief interuption of power (maby a quarter of a second) this would be enough for the ipod to sence the interuption and pause playback. Here is what rilly puzzles me, when the ipod looses power from an external source, it does not pause play back just keeps on going with the battery.

I have the FM transmitter for the ipod for my car. It works decent, seems to work much better in our MDX.

How do you like the remote? I was thinking of getting one for myself.

 

[suntigen]

the remote works very well... I love the setup! I'm just curious about the hows and whys.

 

[aNoodle]

the remote works very well... I love the setup! I'm just curious about the hows and whys.

I'm jealous!

I had asked in another thread whether anyone thought the audio in deal can be retro fitted to E46's before 2003. Anyone know?

 

[Average Jae]

that's cool, is the aux plug the 04+ only thing?

got any pics?